UPDATE: A historic shift unfolds as the U.S. military launched strikes in Caracas early Saturday, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This unprecedented operation has ignited celebrations among the Venezuelan community in Southern California, with businesses like Pepiteria +55 in Gardena bustling with customers eager to commemorate the moment.
Maria Rondón, owner of Pepiteria +55, expressed her elation, stating, “We are happy; what we dreamt of for so many years has finally come true—liberty for Venezuela.” As news broke, the restaurant filled with patrons ordering empanadas and sharing tears of joy, reflecting a collective sigh of relief after years of turmoil under Maduro’s regime.
Following months of escalating tensions, including U.S. military actions against alleged drug trafficking operations, the decisive move against Maduro represents a significant turning point. According to reports, the operation was executed overnight January 3, 2025, with Maduro and his wife taken from their home to face charges in New York.
Rondón, who still has family in Venezuela, noted the mixed emotions felt by those watching the situation unfold. “We couldn’t believe what was happening,” she shared. “But when President Trump confirmed it this morning, we felt our prayers had been answered.”
However, not everyone in Southern California is celebrating. Activist groups quickly organized protests across cities such as Los Angeles and Rancho Cucamonga. Organizations like CodePink condemned the military action, with local leaders expressing outrage over the lack of congressional notification prior to the strikes. California Senator Alex Padilla argued that Trump’s military action is unlawful without congressional approval, while Congressman Adam Schiff warned of the implications for U.S. international standing.
In stark contrast, Republican representatives like Rep. Young Kim voiced support for the operation. “Maduro was a brutal dictator and narco-terrorist responsible for flooding our country with deadly drugs,” she stated.
At Chamo Venezuelan Cuisine in Pasadena, the atmosphere mirrored that of Pepiteria +55, with jubilant customers celebrating this pivotal moment. Owner Jessica Baker recalled being glued to her TV throughout the night, unable to believe the news of Maduro’s capture. “This is a very emotional time,” she said, reflecting on the years of suffering Venezuelans have endured. “For the first time in 30 years, we have a glimpse of hope.”
As celebrations unfold, concerns linger about what comes next for Venezuela. Many still have family members sheltering in their homes in fear of the unfolding situation. While some express hope for a brighter future, others remain cautious. “What will happen tomorrow, we don’t know,” Baker acknowledged.
Meanwhile, emotional responses are felt beyond California. Norah Briceno, a Venezuelan residing in Laguna Beach, shared her experience of watching the news with her family. “Everybody was happy,” she said, though uncertainty about the future looms large. “We have hope.”
As the Trump administration outlined plans to “run” Venezuela until a stable government can be established, they also indicated intentions to control the country’s oil fields. Trump accused Maduro and his wife of orchestrating a “campaign of deadly narco-terrorism” against the U.S., linking their actions to the flood of illegal drugs into the country.
At a news conference, Trump emphasized the need for peace, liberty, and justice for Venezuelans, including those living in the United States who long to return home. “We want to ensure that we don’t end up with the same situation we’ve had for so long,” he stated.
As the world watches the developments closely, the impact on the Venezuelan diaspora is palpable. For many, this moment represents not just a political shift, but an emotional release from decades of despair. “Today, we celebrate the capture of the man who has destroyed our country,” Baker concluded, reflecting the sentiment shared by countless Venezuelans.
As events continue to unfold, communities remain on high alert, bracing for what may come next while holding onto the hope for a free and prosperous Venezuela.
